The lotus symbolises absolute purity and was significant in the Hindu and Buddhist arts of India. Its emergence from impure and muddy water characterises purity and perfection, and provides a model for Buddhists aiming to live a life of honesty and purity. The lotus flower also denotes “absolute awareness”, as it opens and closes in response to the presence/absence of the sun.
To discover more about Gandharan Buddahs, please visit our relevant blog post: The Influence of Greek Art on Gandharan Statues.
